The recent railway union strike concluded after members realized that their jobs were at risk. Labor and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara emphasized that the strike had not only jeopardized employment but also resulted in the loss of lives.
Minister Nanayakkara made these remarks during the launch of the “Jayagamu Sri Lanka” district mobile program in Kilinochchi. He highlighted that union members ended their struggle when they became aware of the imminent threat to their jobs and lives.
“Upon the issuance of the first thousand termination letters, members began to reconsider their actions. The situation in July 2024 reminded many of the events of July 1980. Some unions fighting for commissions eventually ended their struggle at the cost of lives,” Minister Nanayakkara stated.
He criticized southern teachers and principals for supporting strikes for wages and railway workers’ commissions, putting students’ education at risk. In contrast, he praised the dedication of northern teachers during the war who continued educating children despite severe conditions.
“During the war in the North, teachers and principals taught children inside homes and bunkers. However, in the South, teachers and principals are compromising students’ education by supporting strikes for wages and commissions,” he noted.
Nanayakkara lauded President Ranil Wickremesinghe as a statesman who has made significant decisions for national unity. He expressed mixed feelings of joy and sadness when observing children in Kilinochchi, who endured the brunt of the war and faced severe educational disruptions.
The minister recalled discussions with the Kilinochchi District Secretary, who mentioned that during a recent protest, thousands demanded improved hospital services. He contrasted this with the disruptive strikes in the South, highlighting the positive role of civil organizations in the North.
“Although Kilinochchi was designated as a separate district in 1984, the war hindered its development. The area, once the LTTE’s stronghold, has seen significant setbacks. However, with proper attention, Kilinochchi can become a region rich in mineral resources like aluminum, silica, and iron,” he emphasized.
Minister Nanayakkara called for national unity, drawing lessons from historical ties among different ethnic groups in Sri Lanka. He pointed out that ancient Sri Lanka was home to Yaksha and Naga tribes, living together in harmony.
He emphasized that Sri Lanka’s future depends on moving forward together, regardless of ethnic differences. “Our goal should be to advance as Sri Lankans, not as separate ethnic groups. Only then can we ensure the country’s progress,” he concluded.
Minister Nanayakkara praised President Wickremesinghe’s efforts to promote national unity, recalling his decision in 2015 to sing the national anthem in Tamil, a move met with political resistance but made with a statesman’s vision.
He also highlighted the contributions of past leaders like G.G. Ponnambalam, who worked with D.S. Senanayake’s government to bring development projects to the North. He urged current leaders to learn from history and focus on collective development rather than political agendas.
Minister Nanayakkara concluded by calling for cooperation across regions to overcome challenges and ensure national development. He reminded that strikes and political agendas should not compromise essential services like education and healthcare.
The event was attended by R.P.A. Wimalaweera – Secretary to the Ministry of Labor and Foreign Employment, S. Muralidaran -Kilinochchi District Secretary, K.G.H.N.R. Kiriella – Director General of the Department of Manpower and Employment, and other officials from related institutions. Members of the public, including local government officials, police officers, public servants, and families of migrant workers, also participated.
